EDFL: Oak Park and Westmeadows disqualified from finals, replaced by Aberfeldie

Footage has emerged of the incident which saw a local footy final called off and two teams kicked out. See what happened.

Footage has emerged of the moments leading up to a local footy preliminary final being called off.

The footage from the Essendon District Football League Premier Division Women’s game between Oak Park and Westmeadows emerged on social media on Tuesday night.

In two videos posted online, players can be seen dragging each other off the ground after a free kick is awarded, while a Westmeadows player then sent off.

In a second video, an official believed to be from Westmeadows is seen being dragged away by his runner as a growing pack or people gathers.

This pack includes spectators who can be seen jumping the fence onto the ground with screaming heard in the background.

“It’s out of control,” the person behind the camera said.

The footage was filmed just before halftime in the clash at Highgate Recreation Reserve in Craigieburn.

A decision was made to call the game off with Oak Park leading by 20 points.

When contacted by Leader on Wednesday for further comments about the footage, the EDFL declined.

Instead it directed on to comments made by league chief executive Ian Kyte in an interview with The Age on Tuesday.

“It’s a passionate game, but this is another incident that has occurred where, right across metro Melbourne this year, I am not sure of country footy, but I know of metro football, it’s like some form of entitlement coming out of lockdown that people think they are no longer under any rules or regulations, that they can do whatever they want,” he said.

“The fault lay with both clubs. One club cannot be blamed more than the other. There is a fair bit of information floating around which is incorrect.

“I was actually at the game. I am extremely clear with what happened. Both clubs are to blame.”

Before the footage was released, Oak Park alleged its coach was hit by an opposition official which caused the scenes.

In a statement posted to social media, which has since been removed, Oak Park said its own investigation found no wrongdoing or involvement from its 23 players in the halftime altercations.

It claimed its coaches acted in self defence after they were hit by an opposition official as they walked past the Kangaroos’ player race and bench following “disgusting comments” towards the playing group.

“In light of the events on the weekend at Highgate Reserve in our Senior Women‘s Preliminary Final, we conducted our own investigation straight away, with footage, and statements not just from Oak Park people, but also other independent witnesses,” the club initially said.

“A first half that the league officiating umpires deemed fair and legitimate, with the only on field sanctions handed out being two blue cards to the opposition just before half time. An altercation that saw us awarded a free kick.

“We are extremely disappointed in the fact that no security was on hand at a Preliminary Final, and that we are not at a point in 2022 where the league is filming its Premier Women‘s Finals games at minimum.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Oak Park said it had now “officially” accepted the league’s decision.

“We understand and acknowledge the disappointment of our players, members and supporters but would like to ask if you could refrain from posting any further comments on social media regarding the incident,” the statement said.

In its own statement, Westmeadows said it accepted the league’s decision.

“The club acknowledges both clubs were involved in the events which unfolded on Saturday and in no way condone any form of anti-social behaviour in the community,” the statement said.

“We are disappointed and saddened for our players who will miss the opportunity to truly complete their season.

“Westmeadows Football Club will fully co-operate with the official EDFL investigation into all instances, both on and off the field, and will accept any penalties imposed on individuals or the club once the outcome has been handed down.

“Until this time the club will offer no further comment.”

The EDFL had released its own statement on Monday night.

“Following a meeting of the EDFL Board, it has been determined that both the Oak Park and Westmeadows Football Clubs have been disqualified for the remainder of the 2022 Premier Division Women‘s season,” the league said in a statement.

“As a result of this decision, Aberfeldie will now play Keilor this Saturday in the Women's Premier Division Grand Final, as the highest placed team to qualify for finals.

“It was determined that the conduct displayed in last Saturday‘s preliminary final had brought the game into disrepute and the behaviour from members of both clubs would not be tolerated at any level by the EDFL.

“The Women‘s Premier Division Grand Final will be played at Windy Hill this Saturday August 20th with a scheduled start time of 2pm.”

Keilor has convincingly won the two previous meetings against Aberfeldie by 43 and 44 points respectively.

The Division 1 grand final to be played from 12pm will see Greenvale face off against Strathmore.

The Mores overcame Essendon Doutta Stars by 10 points in a thrilling preliminary final.

Meanwhile, Tullamarine and Airport West will do battle in the Division 2 decider.